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Old 11-21-2009, 03:00 AM   #1
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Question difference between this->method() and method()

Hi,
I would like to know what is the difference between
Code:
this->method()
and the simple
Code:
method()
I found that both compile and seems to be ok, but I suppose there should be a difference.

Thanks in advance
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Old 11-21-2009, 03:07 AM   #2
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Assuming that member is a member function and the call is from within a member function of the class, they are usually equivalent, but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed, or in another related case: Why am I getting errors when my template-derived-class uses a member it inherits from its template-base-class?
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Old 11-21-2009, 04:15 AM   #3
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Thanks LaserLight,
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)
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Old 11-21-2009, 04:28 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nacho4d
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)
In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.
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Old 11-21-2009, 07:35 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nacho4d View Post
Thanks LaserLight,
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)
Quote:
Originally Posted by laserlight View Post
...but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed...
I believe what laser light means by this is something similar to the following.

Code:
class foo
{
private:
    int milliseconds;
public:
    void time(int);
};

void foo::time(int milliseconds)
{
    this->milliseconds = milliseconds; // versus saying 'milliseconds = milliseconds'
}
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Old 11-21-2009, 01:55 PM   #6
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>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.
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Old 11-21-2009, 03:54 PM   #7
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I use it every time, but hen I prefer my code to be clear and concise and easily maintainable. If you leave this-> out, you may regret it some day when you make changes that make it necessary and you have to track through 1000 lines of code to find the problem.
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Old 11-21-2009, 04:11 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daved View Post
>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.
E.g.
Code:
foo(a, b, c);
vs
Code:
foo(this->a, this->b, this->c);
etc...

You wont catch me putting tons of redundant clutter in there!
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